Osun State Political Violence: APC, PDP Trade Blame Over Killings and Clashes
Violent clashes between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have escalated tensions in Osun State, resulting in the death of a former chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Mr. Aderemi Abbas, and six others. The violence erupted on Monday following a contentious Court of Appeal ruling allegedly reinstating APC-elected local government chairmen and councillors.
Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier raised alarms on Sunday, accusing Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, and certain security agency heads of plotting to enforce the ruling and instigate chaos. Adeleke called on the public to hold Oyetola and state security chiefs accountable for any violence.
Clashes at Local Government Secretariats
On Monday, violence erupted at various local government secretariats as APC and PDP supporters clashed, resulting in deaths and multiple injuries. A video showed Abbas, elected as chairman in 2018, lying in a pool of blood with an open head wound.
An anonymous security source revealed that Abbas was killed during a bloody confrontation between party supporters wielding guns and machetes. “At 11:56 a.m., Abbas and his men tried to access the local government premises in Ikire, leading to a confrontation with PDP members. Many were wounded, and one person was shot dead immediately,” the source stated.
In Boripe Local Government Area, two people were reportedly shot dead in Iragbiji as APC members attempting to access the council secretariat met armed resistance allegedly led by PDP supporters. Similar violence occurred in Isokan and Olaoluwa LGAs, where gunfights left multiple casualties.
In Olorunda LGA, APC members’ attempts to seize the council secretariat prompted heavy police intervention. Hoodlums armed with weapons intimidated bystanders and smashed phones of those recording the chaos.
Violence also spread to Egbedore, Ayedaade, and Ife-East LGAs, with reports of shootings, injuries, and attacks on political convoys. The Executive Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Abuja, Mr. Remi Omowaiye, alleged his convoy was attacked near Ilesa West secretariat by PDP thugs, resulting in bullet injuries to his driver and security aides.
Police Response
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun ordered additional tactical squads to Osun State to curb the violence. In a statement by Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, the police condemned the incidents, vowing to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
“The Nigeria Police Force condemns the violence that has disrupted peace in Osun State. The IGP has directed immediate reinforcement of security in the affected areas,” the statement read. “Violence undermines democracy and public safety. Those responsible will face the full weight of the law.”
The IGP warned against further acts of lawlessness and assured residents of increased security to restore order.
Political Parties React
The APC expressed deep sorrow over the violence and loss of lives. Former Special Adviser on Education to ex-Governor Oyetola, Jamiu Olawumi, lamented, “We lost people in Irewole, Isokan, and Olaoluwa LGAs. Hon. Remi Abbas was killed on his way to resume at the council office. Additionally, a councilor in Isokan was murdered, and APC members in Iragbiji, Osogbo, and Olorunda were attacked.”
The PDP, in turn, condemned what it described as coordinated attacks by APC hoodlums. PDP Director of Media Oladele Bamiji claimed five party members were killed, and over 50 injured across Boripe, Olaoluwa, Isokan, and Ilesa West LGAs.
“In Boripe, two PDP members were gruesomely murdered, and over 20 sustained injuries during preparations for a rally,” Bamiji said. He accused security personnel of complicity, claiming some officers either participated in or ignored the attacks.
During a heated debate on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Osun Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy, Kolapo Alimi, accused the APC of orchestrating the violence. “The governor has directed everyone to stay away from local government offices, but despite this, five PDP members were killed. We urge the President to intervene to bring peace,” he said.
APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru countered, accusing the PDP of instigating the violence. “Our chairman, Hon. Remi Abbas, was murdered by PDP thugs. Another member was attacked. This is barbaric,” he stated.
Calls for Federal Intervention
The Osun State National Assembly caucus accused Gboyega Oyetola of collaborating with security agents to disrupt local government operations. Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Hon. Salam alleged a coordinated takeover of local government offices by sacked APC officials, accompanied by armed thugs.
“Osun residents woke up to criminal takeovers of local government offices by sacked officials, accompanied by gunfire. These acts threaten the peace enjoyed under Governor Adeleke’s administration,” Salam stated, urging President Tinubu to intervene.
The situation remains tense, with heightened security and political tensions threatening further unrest in Osun State.